The QuestBridge Scholarship is a generous program that helps exceptional low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges.
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for four years, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Travel expenses
- Books and supplies
To be eligible for the QuestBridge Scholarship, you must:
- Be a high school senior in the U.S. or U.S. territories
- Meet their financial eligibility criteria (typically family income under $65,000 per year)
- Rank in the top 5-10% of your high school class
- Have a strong academic record with grades of A’s and B’s in challenging courses
- Score at least 1350 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT (with no sections below 600 or 28, respectively)
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have another approved legal status
What are the application deadlines?
QuestBridge has a few important deadlines you’ll want to keep in mind:
- College Match application deadline: Typically September-October. This is when you submit your application to potentially match with a QuestBridge college partner.
- Ranking of college preferences: Also September-October. If you are selected as a finalist, you will rank up to 12 QuestBridge college partners in order of preference.
- Match results announced: Around December. Finalists will be notified if they have been matched with a college partner and will receive a binding commitment of admission and a scholarship.
- Regular decision deadline: January 1. If you are not matched, you can still apply to QuestBridge college partners through their regular admission process.
Scholarships like QuestBridge open doors to life-changing opportunities. With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve amazing things. Apply and see where it may lead you!
Eligibility Requirements for the QuestBridge 2024 Scholarship
To be eligible for the QuestBridge 2024 Scholarship, you need to meet a few requirements.
First, you must be a high school senior graduating in 2024 and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. QuestBridge considers applicants from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories.
Second, you must demonstrate financial need. QuestBridge offers scholarships to students coming from low-income families. To determine financial eligibility, you’ll need to provide financial documents like tax returns, W-2 forms, and bank statements.
Third, you’ll need to have a stellar academic record. QuestBridge looks for students at the top of their class who challenge themselves with advanced coursework. Aim for mostly A’s in difficult classes like AP, IB, or dual enrollment college courses. High standardized test scores, like on the SAT or ACT, are also helpful but not always required.
Finally, be involved in extracurricular activities and show leadership experience. QuestBridge scholars are well-rounded, so participating in sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, music, arts or other activities outside the classroom is important. Taking on leadership roles in these groups whenever possible is ideal.
How to Apply for the QuestBridge 2024 Scholarship
The QuestBridge 2024 Scholarship application process typically opens in late August and closes in late September. To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, here are the steps you’ll need to take:
1. Register on the QuestBridge website
The first thing you’ll need to do is create an account on the QuestBridge website. This will allow you to access the application and ensure you receive all updates and deadlines.
2. Determine your eligibility
To qualify for the QuestBridge 2024 Scholarship, you must be a high school senior in the U.S. or U.S. territory and have a family income below $65,000 per year. You also need to have a stellar academic record with high standardized test scores. QuestBridge uses a holistic review process, so they also consider extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, and personal essays.
3. Complete the College Match application
The College Match application includes both the QuestBridge application and applications to up to 12 QuestBridge college partners of your choice. The QuestBridge application collects information on your family’s financial situation, your transcripts, test scores, activities, work experience, and recommendations from your teachers. The college applications will require additional essays. This is your chance to convey your passion for learning and how you would contribute to each campus.
4. Rank your college choices
If you are matched to any of the colleges you apply to, you must rank your choices in order of preference. This allows QuestBridge to determine the best match for you based on both your and the colleges’ preferences. Only rank colleges that you would be thrilled to attend.
5. Finalist notification and college match results
In early October, QuestBridge will notify students selected as Finalists. These Finalists can then be matched to one of their ranked colleges for a full four-year scholarship. Match results are announced in December.
6. Other options if not matched
If you are not matched to a college through QuestBridge, don’t lose hope! There are other opportunities like:
- Applying through regular decisions to your ranked colleges. They have already reviewed your application, so you have a high chance of admission and aid.
1. Exploring QuestBridge College Match schools that offer generous aid to all admitted students, not just those matched through QuestBridge.
2. Looking at other private colleges with strong aid programs. Your QuestBridge application materials can often be used to apply to other schools.
3. Applying for local community scholarships and aid programs. Every bit helps when it comes to affording college.
READ ALSO- Applying for the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship 2024
Conclusion
The QuestBridge Scholarship provides an amazing opportunity to attend a premier college. By following the steps and deadlines carefully, showcasing your achievements, and keeping an open and optimistic perspective, you have a strong chance of success in the QuestBridge 2024 process.